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26 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Thanks Paul for your great work!, and my consequent success!
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15 Aug, 2015 by Kathy
I highly recommend the Law Office of RaeAnn Persell, she went above and beyond my expectations and even wrote a letter that helped my kids and I get into an apartment. She is very knowledgeable, friendly, responsive and all around a great person.
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06 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Durham was involved in a wage dispute for us that was successfully settled out of court. Because the tax consequences of the settlement varied greatly depending on the language used, we relied on Durham to make sure everything was captured in a way that had the least impact (tax-wise) while being completely within the rules. Because of his diligence, we saved thousands.
Also, Durham is incredibly generous with his time. I've worked with attorneys who will bill for even a 5 minute phone call. Durham understands the long game and knows, because of the respectful way he treats his clients, they will continue to come back to him in the future (we have).
Throw on top of this the fact that he is extremely nice and pleasant to work with, and you've got a great attorney on your hands.
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
My husband and I are extremely pleased with the estate planning work that Heidi Orr provided to us. Heidi is very professional, confident, knowledgeable and personable. She was able to answer all of our questions and concerns regarding our estate plan. I would HIGHLY recommend Heidi to others.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Eric
I rely on David from time to time for state and local tax planning. Any given year, my business has a number of jurisdictions where potential liability may arise. David's advice has been essential in cutting through the regulatory issues and associated risks to deliver sound, cost effective advice that we can act upon with confidence. I highly recommend David to anyone facing state and local tax issues.
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24 May, 2013 by Kira
I had a tax problem. An embarrassing, mostly-of-my-own-making tax problem. I'd tried Ronnie Deutch from the TeeVee (not great). I'd tried a place that went out of business the year after I used their not-so-awesome services.
Then I got ANOTHER letter from the IRS, and, not being an accountant or a lawyer or particularly cogent when it comes to business, I surfed the web and found someone who was (a) local-ish and who (b) didn't have any bad reviews. And that person was Sean Kennedy, of Tollefsen Law.
I did see a good review of the actual Mr. Tollefsen... so I didn't fly completely blind. But in this instance I just sort of lucked out, and I am writing this review so others who are similarly searching have some data on which to base their choice.
To put it simply - Sean got my stupid rear end out of some serious trouble with the IRS, and he did it quickly, efficiently, aggressively, and for a very reasonable price.
He is RESPONSIVE. I got immediate relies to emails. I got emails at 6:30am. I never had to wait. I never had to remind. He just leapt at it and did it, fast.
He is KNOWLEDGEABLE. I went to meet him to review the case, and he quickly laid out all the parameters and options in a way that I understood completely. He didn't obfuscate or over-sell. He was accurate and on point.
He has a dry sense of humor. And yes, I know... this is both subjective and not really to the point. Except that it IS good to know if an attorney is personable and "gets it." And Sean does. I'm a fairly flamboyant personality and have a quirky presentation, and Sean dealt. He was not just pleasant and professional, but he had that twinkle in his eye that let me know, "I am dealing with a human, here. He's a mensch." Mark my words, when you are up to your eyeballs in scary IRS stuff, that quality is like gold.
So I would totally recommend Sean if you have a tax problem, need help, want someone who gets back to you and explains things so you understand them, and doesn't make you feel like an idiot. He's aces in my book, and I would retain him again if anything else ever came up.
Two brief notes:
1) I said "local-ish." His office is in Lynnwood, not Seattle. I don't have a driver's license, so I had to take the bus. I was expecting him to be in downtown Seattle, but the bus ride is a doddle, and quick, so no points off.
2) His paralegal, Belinda, is a delight. She's quick and efficient and friendly AND puts you right at ease when you arrive. Excellent customer service. Kudos.
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31 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I have had a variety of dealings with John. He has assisted me with state tax issues, including sales tax & use tax. Additionally, he was the quarterback of my professional team in preparing me to launch a new business nationally. In another business, I recommend all of my clients to John when they are looking for a 1031 "like kind" exchange. He has a lot of experience with that as well.
I wholeheartedly advise you to give John a shot before settling on another party.
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14 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
A very experienced attorney dealing with Tax related issues.
I have been a client for a number of years. Diane has helped my company through VERY complex IRS issues with great results.
She is one of the finest in the field.
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16 May, 2013 by Sandy
I went to mr scowcroft stressed out to the max .he rapidly set in motion everything I needed that day and had all the document s I needed judge signed by next day. I have called him over again and he couldn't be more friendly and helpful I felt I had made a friend and anything I needed to settle my dads will he is there to help. At such a sad time and have problems with a bank not wanting to close out my dads account and help me Jerry was there . I would recommend him to everyone
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10 Jul, 2020 by Spencer
I have worked with Jeff for about 5 years on numerous matters related to employee benefits and ERISA. I have always found him to be very responsive and knowlegeable. I highly recommend him and his firm!
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12 Nov, 2014 by Henry
Bill Severson has done an outstanding job of helping our Condo Association deal with a conflict with the County in determining condominium valuations over a multi-year period. He is thoughtful, determined, and perseverant. He will definitely be an asset to you.
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10 May, 2012 by Elizabeth
I recently worked with Cory on a tax appeal and was very impressed with her work (our appeal was successful!). Cory understood the issues faced by our small business, and worked with us to develop a strategy that was practical and efficient. She took the initiative to obtain public records relating to the case, which uncovered some very helpful evidence. She thoroughly researched the legal issues and was happy to collaborate with us, incorporating our feedback and ideas. She was always very responsive to our questions and concerns. She is a nice and friendly person, which makes her very easy to work with. I would strongly recommend working with Cory.
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22 Apr, 2015 by John
Walt is one of the best business attorneys around. We've had numerous mutual clients and they all love working with him. I find his insights and observations to be right-on and his willingness to educate clients is wonderful.
I could say, "I'd recommend Walt...." but I already do recommend him on a regular basis.
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19 Oct, 2012 by James
John was very honest during the whole process. He exhibited a great depth of knowledge regarding processes within the IRS and what he didn't know he quickly got the answers to. I was very impressed and he solved my problem without delay!
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30 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
We contacted Ann T. Wilson for breach of trust issues. She was very responsive, focused on the facts, avoided getting caught up in the drama/personal issues. She kept costs down and was able to mediate our case, avoiding trial. Our issues were resolved and our dishonest trustee was replaced.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Jon white
Ms. Morado was absolutely invaluable in helping me navigate a bewildering publishing/art/licensing/permissions debacle in which I was utterly in-over-my-head. What seemed insurmountably complex to me was long-familiar legal territory for her. She lucidly explained to me the process along the way; she was a fastidiously professional steward of time-tracking and invoicing; she graciously interfaced on my behalf with a rather stressful third party; and, in the end, she navigated myself and the other party to a clean, fair, mutually agreeable conclusion. I couldn't be more pleased, and can recommend her services categorically.
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27 Sep, 2021 by Clare chun
Being an independent filmmaker and producer in Seattle who works with Hollywood colleagues and clients: Morado Law PLLC has been incredible counsel for helping me navigate the nuances of this Industry while retaining long lasting relationships creatively. I also feel like I become a legally savvy artist after every appointment with her too.
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19 Jan, 2021 by Pamela moore
Heather represented me on a music royalty agreement. She was patient, explaining to me areas of the agreement that needed to be addressed and in turn helped me understand the issues involved and what to expect. Her guidance was reassuring and thoughtful on the best way to proceed. I am grateful to have been referred to her and definitely will use her again, when needed!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Clints30
Chris Black did an outstanding job throughout my entire case. I highly recommend if you need great legal defense to give him a call. He guided me through what was a very stressful time and my charges were dismissed in the end.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Jesus sanches
I worked with Chris Black for the last year and he brought peace of mind regarding my case, he was honest and direct with everything, he was easy to reach out when i had questions or concerns via email or phone. He fought for me and did the best he could. I recommended him to anybody who looks for an attorney because is rare but he is an honest direct person who wont bs his way around.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Naomi barry
Jamie Polito Johnston was my divorce lawyer who calmly and professionally steered me through it in a demeanor of calm professionalism and at times, needed humor and assurance. I was further aided by the help of her highly capable firm's support staff as well as other people outside of that she could recommend to me. In totality, it was an excellent team effort!
My heartfelt wishes to any and all of you who are going through a divorce. Blessings.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Joseph hopkins
Will Reingold was one of the attorneys who represented me in my divorce. Will’s overall attentiveness to the case and its myriad of deadlines demonstrated a high degree of detail-orientation that was incredibly reassuring during a very difficult period. It was a contentious case in which many motions were filed by both parties, which meant a lot of legal writing had to be done. Will’s writing was unfailingly crisp, concise (while still comprehensive), and persuasive. Through his writing I could tell how seriously he took my case, and how much he cared about the way his rhetoric would put me in a position to achieve a positive outcome. Additionally, the speed with which Will was able to produce incredibly well-written artifacts was equally impressive. If you are looking for someone to do excellent work for you, you will be hard pressed to find a better writer than Will.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Mayumi ozaki todd (尾崞çœÿ由羞)
Very knowledgeable professional legal office
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02 Jan, 2024 by Naomi barry
Jamie Polito Johnston was my divorce lawyer who calmly and professionally steered me through it in a demeanor of calm professionalism and at times, needed humor and assurance. I was further aided by the help of her highly capable firm's support staff as well as other people outside of that she could recommend to me. In totality, it was an excellent team effort!
My heartfelt wishes to any and all of you who are going through a divorce. Blessings.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Joseph hopkins
Will Reingold was one of the attorneys who represented me in my divorce. Will’s overall attentiveness to the case and its myriad of deadlines demonstrated a high degree of detail-orientation that was incredibly reassuring during a very difficult period. It was a contentious case in which many motions were filed by both parties, which meant a lot of legal writing had to be done. Will’s writing was unfailingly crisp, concise (while still comprehensive), and persuasive. Through his writing I could tell how seriously he took my case, and how much he cared about the way his rhetoric would put me in a position to achieve a positive outcome. Additionally, the speed with which Will was able to produce incredibly well-written artifacts was equally impressive. If you are looking for someone to do excellent work for you, you will be hard pressed to find a better writer than Will.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Mayumi ozaki todd (尾崞çœÿ由羞)
Very knowledgeable professional legal office
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03 Oct, 2024 by Betty lee
They have been responsive and easy to work with. Would highly recommend!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Suzy bigleman
Annette and her team go above and beyond for us as they continue working on our case. Checking in often and quick responses with answers to our questions. Very much appreciate all of their hard work!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Cole brown
This was my first time dealing with a injury lawsuit but Davis Law Group was quick to explain everything to me, was very respectful and caring when first interviewing me about my case. And when it was time for the next step they were great on communicating what was going on, what was needed and what I could expect. They never made false promises and despite a tough case they got me through it. Thank you!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Betty lee
They have been responsive and easy to work with. Would highly recommend!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Suzy bigleman
Annette and her team go above and beyond for us as they continue working on our case. Checking in often and quick responses with answers to our questions. Very much appreciate all of their hard work!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Cole brown
This was my first time dealing with a injury lawsuit but Davis Law Group was quick to explain everything to me, was very respectful and caring when first interviewing me about my case. And when it was time for the next step they were great on communicating what was going on, what was needed and what I could expect. They never made false promises and despite a tough case they got me through it. Thank you!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
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09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
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09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
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25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
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09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
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09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Clints30
Chris Black did an outstanding job throughout my entire case. I highly recommend if you need great legal defense to give him a call. He guided me through what was a very stressful time and my charges were dismissed in the end.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Jesus sanches
I worked with Chris Black for the last year and he brought peace of mind regarding my case, he was honest and direct with everything, he was easy to reach out when i had questions or concerns via email or phone. He fought for me and did the best he could. I recommended him to anybody who looks for an attorney because is rare but he is an honest direct person who wont bs his way around.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Clints30
Chris Black did an outstanding job throughout my entire case. I highly recommend if you need great legal defense to give him a call. He guided me through what was a very stressful time and my charges were dismissed in the end.
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Jesus sanches
I worked with Chris Black for the last year and he brought peace of mind regarding my case, he was honest and direct with everything, he was easy to reach out when i had questions or concerns via email or phone. He fought for me and did the best he could. I recommended him to anybody who looks for an attorney because is rare but he is an honest direct person who wont bs his way around.
Read more
17 Sep, 2015 by Chris
In my search for legal advice, I reached out to Mr. Wallin and he provided quick, well documented response that allowed me to make a wise decision that was pivotal to our company. I highly recommend Mr. Wallin for legal advice. He will provide you with the best answers in a timely manner.
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01 Jul, 2013 by Chris
I was in need of a new lawyer with expertise in technology start-ups. Joe Wallin was referred to me from a trusted friend and I quickly understood why. From the very beginning, Joe showed concern for my interests and executed to perfection. He and his team were very responsive and communicated very clearly. Going forward, I will definitely work with Joe again and recommend him to anyone. Thanks Joe!
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23 May, 2013 by Matt
Joe is extremely knowledgable, both about the law, and standard industry practices when it comes to startups, and incentive equity. I was very happy that I had him, and his expertise to walk me through some complicated issues.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Tax Lawyer Can Do for You
A tax lawyer specializes in the complex area of tax law, offering legal advice and representation on matters related to tax compliance, disputes with tax authorities, and tax planning. Tax lawyers help individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate the intricacies of federal, state, and local tax laws. They ensure that clients are compliant with tax regulations, minimize tax liabilities, and represent them in audits, appeals, or disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS.
Whether you need assistance with personal taxes, corporate tax strategy, or resolving an audit, a tax lawyer can protect your rights and help you manage your financial responsibilities.
When Should I Hire a Tax Lawyer?
Hiring a tax lawyer is advisable in several situations where tax issues are complicated, disputes arise, or legal strategies are necessary to manage tax liability. Common reasons to hire a tax lawyer include:
- Tax audits or disputes with the IRS: If you are facing an audit or have received a notice of deficiency from the IRS, a tax lawyer can represent you and defend your rights during the process.
- Tax debt relief: If you owe back taxes or face significant tax liabilities, a tax lawyer can help negotiate a payment plan, settlement, or Offer in Compromise with the IRS.
- Tax planning for businesses or individuals: A tax lawyer can advise on strategies to minimize tax liabilities through legal deductions, credits, and other tax-saving mechanisms.
- International tax issues: If you have foreign assets or income, a tax lawyer can help you comply with international tax laws, such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) or Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) requirements.
- Tax fraud or evasion accusations: If you're being investigated or charged with tax fraud or evasion, a tax lawyer can provide a defense and negotiate with the authorities to minimize penalties.
- Corporate tax law compliance: Businesses, especially large corporations, benefit from the expertise of a tax lawyer who can handle complex issues such as mergers and acquisitions, employee benefits, and international tax planning.
- Estate and gift tax planning: A tax lawyer can help you minimize estate taxes and ensure your assets are passed on efficiently through trusts, wills, and other tax-efficient structures.
Hiring a tax lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you are fully compliant with all applicable tax laws.
What Does a Tax Lawyer Do?
A tax lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist clients with tax compliance, tax planning, and legal disputes. Their key responsibilities include:
- Tax planning and advisory: Helping individuals and businesses plan their tax strategies to reduce liability, avoid penalties, and maximize deductions and credits.
- Representing clients in tax disputes: Defending clients in disputes with the IRS or state tax authorities, including audits, appeals, and collections actions.
- Filing Offers in Compromise: Negotiating settlements with the IRS for clients who owe more than they can afford to pay.
- Handling tax litigation: Representing clients in tax court or other legal proceedings if a tax dispute escalates beyond the administrative level.
- Estate and gift tax planning: Advising clients on how to structure their estate to minimize estate and gift taxes, including creating trusts, family partnerships, or charitable giving plans.
- Assisting with tax fraud investigations: Defending clients accused of tax fraud, evasion, or criminal tax offenses.
- International tax compliance: Advising clients with offshore assets on U.S. tax compliance and reporting requirements, including FATCA and FBAR.
How Are Tax Lawyers Paid?
Tax lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the work involved and the nature of the legal assistance required. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many tax lawyers charge by the hour, especially for complex cases or ongoing legal work such as audit defense, tax litigation, or corporate tax planning. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as preparing a legal document, filing an Offer in Compromise, or handling a routine audit, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For businesses or individuals with ongoing tax needs, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment used to secure the lawyer’s services and billed against as work is completed.
- Contingency fee: In rare cases, particularly when negotiating settlements or resolving tax debts, a lawyer may charge a contingency fee based on the outcome of the case. This means they only get paid if they succeed in reducing your tax liability.
Always ask about the fee structure during the initial consultation to avoid surprises and ensure you understand how the lawyer will charge for their services.
How Much Does a Tax Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a tax lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific services required. Here are some general cost estimates:
- Simple tax issues: For straightforward cases such as filing an Offer in Compromise or handling a routine audit, fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500.
- Complex tax disputes: For more complicated cases, such as defending against tax fraud accusations, handling a significant IRS audit, or resolving international tax issues, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the time and effort involved.
- Hourly rates: Tax lawyers typically charge between $200 and $600 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases involving high-stakes outcomes.
- Flat fees: For specific services, such as tax planning for an estate or preparing a legal document, a flat fee may range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the task.
Always get a detailed estimate of fees during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Tax Lawyer
Before hiring a tax lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your situation. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with tax law?
Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases or issues similar to yours, whether it’s IRS disputes, corporate tax planning, or estate taxes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the lawyer’s fee structure - whether it’s hourly, flat fee, or retainer - and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your situation and the possible outcomes, such as tax reductions, settlements, or litigation results. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Find out if the lawyer has experience with issues similar to yours, such as international tax compliance, criminal tax defense, or complex estate planning. -
What is the timeline for my case?
Ask how long it will take to resolve your tax issue or dispute, as some tax matters can take months or years to fully settle. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work. Clarify who will be handling your case day-to-day.
How to Check the Credibility of a Tax Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable tax lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for specific tax law expertise: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in tax law and have handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
- Ask for references: A credible tax lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their ability to handle complex tax matters.
- Look for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation or the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) can indicate that the lawyer stays current with tax law developments.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a tax lawyer, it’s essential to come prepared with all relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Tax returns and records: Bring copies of recent tax returns, especially those related to the issue you're facing.
- IRS correspondence: If you’ve received notices from the IRS or state tax authorities, bring all relevant documentation.
- Financial records: Bring records of income, expenses, assets, and any other relevant financial documents that the lawyer may need to understand your tax situation.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
- Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any interactions with the IRS or tax authorities, including audits, notices, or payment demands.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and help the lawyer assess your situation effectively, providing you with the best legal advice moving forward.
